LOAN STAR VIMAL HAS FOUND HIS NEW HOME

THEY say never fall in love with a loan player. In Oldham Athletic’s case, though, it’s a bit late for that!

- Jon Couch

When Vimal Yoganathan arrived at Boundary Park, on loan from Barnsley, back in January, he did so as a trailblazer for the English game.

The 19-year-old midfielder is the first Tamil footballer to play professionally in England — one of just a handful of players from a South Asian background playing in the top four leagues.

Praised for his pace, mentality and his ability to play with both feet, Yoganathan soon endeared himself to the Latics fans by scoring a late equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw with bitter rivals Rochdale in March.

Gradually, he began to fully establish himself in Micky Mellon's starting eleven and is now reaping the rewards.